The idea of a new church was launched by a devote organization. A plot of land in the new Eixample district was bought in 1877. The architect Francisco de Paula del Villar designed a neo gothic church and lead the construction which started in 1882.
One year later, the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí took over as lead architect at the age of 31. From that moment on, Gaudí devoted most of his life to the construction of the church. Instead of sticking to the original plans, Gaudí changed the design emphatically. The neo gothic style made way for Gaudí\'s trademark modernist style, which was based on forms found in nature. When he died in 1926 only one facade, one tower, the apse and the crypt were finished. Because Gaudí was constantly improvising and changing the design while construction was going on, he left few designs and models. And most of these were destroyed during the civil war in 1936. Antoni Gaudi died was buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia. The city of Barcelona mourns the loss of one its biggest suns. Until 1930 all bell-towers on the east facade of the Sagrada Familia were finished and in 1954 work on the west facade started which was finished in 1986. The 175 meter high Jesus tower is planned to be built, which could be one of the highest church towers in the world.
The Sagrada Familia is the most visited tourist attraction in Barcelona catering to over 2,000,000 visitors a year. Construction on Sagrada Família is not supported by any government or official church sources. Private patrons funded the initial stages. Money from tickets purchased by tourists is now used to pay for the work, and private donations are accepted through the Friends of the Temple.
BarcelonaIt’s Spain's second largest city and the capital of Catalonia. The city has a wealth of unique historic architecture and has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations during the 1990s. |
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Barcelona Museum of Contemporary ArtBarcelona Museum’s of Contemporary Art collection embraces the period from 1920-s and till nowadays. There are mostly Spanish artists represented. |
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Casa MilàCasa Milà, the famous building bereft of straight lines and right angles, is the last work by Gaudi, a Modernism masterpiece and a most full realisation of concept of faithfulness to Nature |
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Cathedral of Santa EulaliaThe XIII-XIX Gothic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is especially notable for its roof with admirable stone gargoyles |
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Holiday in BarcelonaThe day of traditional holiday La Mercè is September, 24.But in fact citizens and guests of Barcelona celebrate it from September, 22 to 26. |
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La BoqueriaThe Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria |
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Old city, BarcelonaThe Old city of Barcelona or “Cuitat Vella” includes El Raval, the Gothic Quarter “Barri Gotic”, El Born, and the Jewish Quarter “El Call” |
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Plaça del Portal de la PauIn the center of Plaça del Portal de la Pau (which means "the Gates of the World") stands 80-meter column with statue of Columbus - one of the most famous symbols of Barselona |
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Placa d`EspanyaEnsemble of Placa d`Espanya, symbol of unity of Spanish nation, was built for World Fair of 1929. Serves as a main entrance to Montjuic, crowned with majestic National Palace |
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Placa ReialPlaca Reial, a most beautiful ensemble in neoclassicism style, is favourite place of local Bohemians and the guests of the city. Graceful fountain in the center, famous lanterns by Gaudi |
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Plaza de CatalunyaThe huge Plaza de Catalunya connects medieval and modern Barselona. Round square with green lawns, fountains and numerous sculptures in the ring of dense traffic streams |
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Plaсa del ReiPlaсa del Rei is the very heart of Gothic quarter. Former courtyard of Big Royal palace (now used as Historical Museum of city), a true miracle of Gothic architecture |
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Port VellThe dock district Port Vell is one of the busiest city districts. The World Trade Center, the largest in Europe oceanarium, popular modern yacht port, picturesque quay |
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Santa María del PíBlessed Lady of the Pine Tree |
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Singing fountains"Singing fountains" is a striking light and music show on Placa Espanya, a fascinating dance of thousands water jets, shining and sparkling with all colours of the rainbow |
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Triumphal arch (Arc de Trionf)The Triumphal arch (Arc de Trionf), built for the 1888 World's Fair as its main access gate by architect Josep Vilaseca, is an interesting example of neo-Moresque style |
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